There are a ton of reasons to start meditating daily and many of them are now backed by science.
Typically I’ll meditate anywhere between 15 and 45 minutes a session and always get the clarity, insight and inner peace that I’m looking for.
Itâs not necessarily about having an empty mind; it’s more about centering yourself and learning to observe your thoughts without being consumed by them.
Thereâs no way we can control others or nature, but we can control the quality of our thoughts.
Regardless of whatâs going on outside, we can control how we respond to it on the inside. No matter the situation, if your mind is alright, then everything else is alright. So, if you’re having a problem, go and meditate.
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9 Surprisingly Healthy Reasons Superhumans Meditate Daily
#1. Boosts Your Health
Research shows that meditation can increase electrical activity in the brain, improves immune function and decrease pain and inflammation. There are now several studies backing this up.
#2. Improves Mood
Meditation increases positive feelings and decreases feelings of depression, anxiety and stress thanks to a boost in the production of serotonin and dopamine.
The study by Perreau-Linck and colleagues was the first to report that self-induced changes in mood by way of meditation can influence serotonin synthesis.
#3. Great Community Builder
It’s not just a solitary activity. So many people shy away from meditating because they think itâs a monk-like that’s done without social interaction. It’s definitely a great thing to do alone, but it’s just as great to meditate in a group.
Try meditating in a class at your local gym, or with friends in your backyard.
According to a study by Stanford University, meditation enhances social connections and emotional intelligence. The idea of having an enhanced sense of oneness with the universe and your fellow man is healthy and greatly enhanced by meditation.
#4. Enhances Self-Control
It improves your skills at emotion regulation; if youâve ever lost your temper and not been able to quiet your mind, then meditating might be a perfect fit. On the same note, you’ll help your ability to introspect (observe your thoughts).
#5. Supercharges Your Brain
Meditation boosts grey matter by increasing volume in the areas of the brain associated with self-control, positive feelings, and emotional regulation. It’s also been shown to increase cortical thickness in parts of the brain related to maintaining your attention.
If you want a better functioning brain, then look no further than meditation.
#6. Boosts Productivity
According to a recent article in the journal Psychological Science, researchers tried to identify specific brain functions that are enhanced by meditating. The study shows that intensive meditation can help people focus their attention and sustain it even during the most mundane of tasks.
It’s great for increasing your attention, focus and memory; improving your ability to multitask, and think creatively and outside the box. That’s a ton of brain boosting for a 15 minute activity.
Here’s 10 of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world who utilize the benefits of daily meditation.
#7. Makes You Wiser
By opening up a window into your thoughts, you’re offered an opportunity for new perspective.
When you observe your mind, you start to understand that you donât need to be a slave to it. You start to become aware that your mind throws tantrums, gets jealous, sad, and grumpy; often controlling you more than you control it.
I like to think of meditation as a type of mental hygiene, keeping your mind free and clear. You get rid of the junk, tune into your talents, and truly get in touch with yourself.
Remember, your quality of life depends on the quality of your mind.
#8. Keeps You Real
Once you get into your own mind, come to understand and know it, you become more authentic and humble. You understand the soap operas and stories your mind takes you through, and get some perspective on them.
There’s a good chance you’ll start to become aware that the majority of us are caught up in some kind of mind-drama, and find yourself with newfound compassion towards others.
#9. Induces Sleep and Relaxation
Aside from the fact that meditating boosts serotonin which is a precursor to melatonin (the hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle), it can also help you clear your head and induce relaxation, which typically means you’ll fall asleep easier.
Check out my 3 unknown tips to greatly improve sleep here.
This is important because we need 8-9 hours of sleep each night to thrive at an optimal level.
When you mediate, remember there’s no right or wrong,” the most important thing you can do is, be comfortable, sit still and observe.
It makes me laugh when I hear people throw around designated meditation times,” because you certainly don’t have to sit for any specific amount of time. You can meditate in short doses, and get your benefits throughout the day if that’s what works for you.
If youâre on the fence about meditating, donât be because there are several beneficial effects now backed by science.
Health by choice, not by chance.
-David Aston
By the way, I’d love to connect with you on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whyamiunhealthy
Nice post! Do you have an opinion about guided meditation versus independent meditation or using a script? There are so many ways to meditate! I personally love guided meditation because I don’t have to think about anything, and it’s convenient. Although, some are better than others. I tried a guided sleep meditation the other night and slept like a baby!
Hey, thanks for your feedback.
Guided mediation can be great, especially for those just discovering the benefits of meditation.
To be honest, I do not prefer guided as it proves to be a great distraction for me. I prefer to sit in silence typically outdoors.
If anything, I will use soothing music to get my emotions/vibe to a certain level.
I’ve grown fond of the “yoga” channel on pandora – All very soothing music with minimal words.
If you have trouble silencing your mind, simply focus on your breathing:
In through your nose and out through your mouth – listen intently to each breath as it enters and exits your body.
This will quickly put you into a “meditative state.”
Hey, thanks for your feedback.
Guided mediation can be great, especially for those just discovering the benefits of meditation.
To be honest, I do not prefer guided as it proves to be a great distraction for me. I prefer to sit in silence typically outdoors.
If anything, I will use soothing music to get my emotions/vibe to a certain level.
I’ve grown fond of the “yoga” channel on pandora – All very soothing music with minimal words.
If you have trouble silencing your mind, simply focus on your breathing:
In through your nose and out through your mouth – listen intently to each breath as it enters and exits your body.
This will quickly put you into a “meditative state.”
Hello, everyone. I sit comfortably and ‘observe’ my body weight left completely in the hands of Gravitational force with my eyes semi-closed. In no time my breath slows down automatically, the Mind and Body shuts down and starts Re Charging the mind with Cosmic Energy. Cheers !